The World of Ice and Fire: companion book from Bantam

Bantam are now listingThe World of Ice and Fire for publication on 30 October 2012.

For those not in the know, this is a companion to the SoIaF novels (but not the TV series, which is getting its own, separate companion/making-of book in 2012), co-written by George R.R. Martin with Elio Garcia and Linda Antonsson, the admins of the Westeros.org website (the site GRRM himself uses to double-check details if he's in a hurry). It's a large-format hardcover which will feature extensive artwork, including castle pictures by noted Tolkien artist Ted Nasmith, a number of character portraits and some all-new maps. To be apparently included will be maps of the never-before-seen Jade Sea region, and a 'world map' showing all the lands featured in the books (ranging from Westeros to Qarth). There will also be an extensive history of the world written from the POV of a maester of the Citadel.

I'm waiting for confirmation from Bantam that this release date is locked, but interesting news if so. The book has been four years in the making, and should be an interesting read.

Just Elio and Linda, although they asked for requests and idea from people about what they wanted in the book. For example, a lot of people asked for city and castle maps and they agreed to try and get GRRM's map of Braavos into the book. However, they were less sure that GRRM would want maps of say Winterfell or the Red Keep in there.

GRRM did a reading from THE WORLD OF ICE AND FIRE at Bubonicon this week and finally revealed how the Targaryens conquered the Vale of Arryn. Completely irrelevant to the story in the novels, but spoiler-protected anyway:

Spoiler:

The Arryns sent a huge army to hold the Bloody Gate against the Targaryen armies whilst the Regent of the Vale and her son, the young Lord Arryn (yes, a bit like Lysa and Robert three centuries later), took shelter in the Eyrie. However, Visenya Targaryen simply flew her dragon up to the Eyrie and landed in the courtyard whilst the young Lord Arryn was outside playing. The young boy offered Visenya his fealty if she let him get a ride on the dragon and she agreed. Thus the Arryns swore fealty to the Targaryens :-)

It's out now and is pretty good. Lots of new information and food for thought on both big mysteries and general worldbuilding. Asshai comes across as a very creepy and disturbing place (the Shadow Lands beyond far more so) in particular.